UC Berkeley’s Lawrence Hall of Science has unveiled its latest groundbreaking exhibition, Future of Food, a visionary exploration of how science and technology are shaping the next era of food production, sustainability, and cultural connection. As the first installment in the new Global Issues Exhibitions series, Future of Food delves into the complexities of our modern food systems while inspiring visitors to consider their own role in creating a more sustainable and equitable future.
Claudia Bustos, Executive Director of Public Engagement at The Lawrence Hall of Science, emphasized the exhibit’s mission: “Food brings us together, connects us through shared stories, and nourishes both our bodies and our communities—but access to food is not equal for everyone. Future of Food invites everyone—families, students, educators, and STEM enthusiasts alike—to explore how our food choices not only fuel our bodies but can help heal the planet and build more equitable, sustainable communities.”
Exploring Innovation in Food Science and Sustainability
At its core, Future of Food highlights cutting-edge scientific and technological advancements that are transforming the way food is grown, processed, and consumed. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about revolutionary agricultural techniques, such as gene editing and robotics, in an engaging and interactive setting. The exhibit aims to make these complex subjects accessible to a wide audience, ensuring that people of all ages and backgrounds can gain a deeper understanding of the science behind their food.
Spanning over 4,000 square feet, Future of Food was developed in collaboration with more than 150 community partners, including scientists, engineers, educators, and food entrepreneurs. This collective effort ensures a diverse range of perspectives and expertise, making the exhibit both educational and impactful. Furthermore, The Lawrence has prioritized inclusivity, offering a bilingual experience in both Spanish and English, marking its sixth exhibition to do so. In recognition of the region’s Indigenous history, the exhibit also incorporates elements in Chochenyo, the language of the East Bay Ohlone people, reaffirming The Lawrence’s commitment to honoring local cultures and traditions.
Rena Dorph, Director of The Lawrence Hall of Science, spoke about the institution’s long-standing dedication to science education: “The Lawrence Hall of Science has been at the forefront of science education for over 55 years. As part of UC Berkeley, we prepare young people to face the challenges of our changing world and inspire them to shape a better future in their communities and beyond. Future of Food represents an innovative approach to integrating global issues, social justice, and scientific impact into our exhibits and programs.”
Showcasing Real-World Impact Through “Food Heroes”
Beyond technology and innovation, Future of Food spotlights the human stories driving change in food systems today. A central component of the exhibit is the “Food Heroes” section, which shares the inspiring journeys of individuals in the Bay Area who are actively working toward a more sustainable and equitable food future. These stories offer visitors a tangible connection to the real-world implications of food science and encourage them to see how they, too, can contribute to meaningful change.
Michelle Rodriguez, Public Experience Design Lead at The Lawrence, explained the exhibit’s broader impact: “By sharing these stories, we hope to broaden and deepen our understanding of science and who does science. We also hope to inspire young people by exposing them to inspirational people who make a difference and to see the vast range of STEM careers associated with food.”
Hands-On Experiences and Immersive Learning
The exhibit is designed to engage visitors through interactive stations, allowing them to experience the future of food firsthand. Key highlights include:
- The Future is Innovative: Visitors can explore a life-size model cow’s microbiome, interact with edible mealworms, and discover futuristic food innovations pioneered by Bay Area startups.
- The Future is Aquatic: A towering kelp forest sets the stage for an interactive game called Hungry, Hungry Oyster, inspired by Hungry, Hungry Hippos. Visitors can also observe live Olympia oysters and eelgrass in a 100-gallon tank, showcasing how seaweed and shellfish contribute to sustainable food solutions.
- The Future is Robotic: This section demonstrates how automation and robotics are revolutionizing agriculture, from precision farming to autonomous harvesting.
- The Future is Underground: An immersive tunnel experience takes visitors beneath the soil, where they can explore the critical role of soil health in nutrition, carbon storage, and climate resilience.
- The Future is Nourishing: A hands-on nutrition simulation invites children to engage with healthy food choices in a playful kitchen setting.
- The Future is Bioengineered: A gene-editing game inspired by corn toss educates visitors on how bioengineering is shaping modern agriculture.
- The Future is Climate-Friendly: Visitors can design their own climate-friendly lunch and examine a custom-designed global farming and climate map on Science on a Sphere (SOS), a dynamic, spherical projection system that visualizes complex environmental data.
A Call to Action for a Better Food Future
Future of Food is more than just an exhibition—it is a call to action. By combining science, culture, and storytelling, The Lawrence Hall of Science hopes to empower visitors to think critically about their food choices and the broader systems that shape them. Whether learning about sustainable farming practices, exploring innovative food technologies, or discovering inspiring community efforts, visitors are encouraged to consider how they can contribute to a more just and sustainable food future.
With its engaging, hands-on approach and commitment to inclusivity, Future of Food exemplifies The Lawrence Hall of Science’s mission to make science accessible, relevant, and impactful. As this exhibition opens its doors, it offers a glimpse into a future where food is not only more sustainable but also more equitable, fostering a world in which everyone has access to nutritious and culturally significant meals.
